PL Artists > Tim Hanley

WHAT YOU WANTED TO BE WHEN YOU WERE A KID
I wanted to be a rock star or an artist, so getting to be one of them is amazing. I don’t think many people get to do their dream job so I’m incredibly lucky to be doing what I do.

FAVOURITE MEDIUMS TO USE
I currently use a mix of traditional and digital mediums. I draw with lead pencils and coloured pencils, and then ‘paint’ on my computer using a tablet. Working digitally creates a lot less mess, but I love physically painting whenever I can.

My work could be done with just a paintbrush but I love the way technology makes working quicker and helps you be more inventive.

MOST MEMORABLE CREATIVE MOMENT
I love the moment at the end of a project, whether it’s a small illustration or a big advertising campaign, when you see the finished work and how it has developed from just an initial idea and a sketch. I remember that the first time I saw my work on a huge billboard on the London Underground was pretty special.

BEST PIECE OF CREATIVE INDUSTRY ADVICE
The best piece of advice which I’ve taken from various people is to take inspiration from, and be open to, all areas of creativity.

Keeping up to date with what’s happening in fashion, music, graphics, photography, animation or any creative field is bound to have a positive effect on your work.

WORST PIECE OF CREATIVE INDUSTRY ADVICE
I don’t think I’ve ever been given any bad advice. If someone is willing to share their experience then I’d rather listen to what they have to say, and hopefully take something from it.

Many artists inspire the work I produce, but some of my favourites have a totally different style to me, and I could never illustrate like them.

FAVOURITE PIECE OF WORK TO DATE
I’ve really enjoyed the pieces I’ve done for Pretty Litter as they have stretched my abilities. I tend to produce figurative work but decided to try something different for the Christmas card competition, so I produced a piece with hand drawn type that I really enjoyed working on.

FANTASY BRIEF
I’d love to work on a collaborative project with another artist I admire. I think working with someone else can give you a fresh outlook and take you to places you might not usually go.

My other passion is music so it would be great to work on some album artwork, even though physical albums don’t exist in the same way they used to. I love the way that really great covers can evoke the feelings you have for the music with a single image.

WHERE YOU THINK YOU’LL BE IN 20 YEARS TIME
I love picking up new skills and developing my illustration style, so hopefully I will be doing something that I cant imagine at the moment.

Also, if we still don’t have hover boards or flying cars by then I’m going to be very upset.

WHAT YOU THINK YOU MIGHT DO FOR THE VALENTINE ART SHOW?
For my Valentines piece I am going to explore love as the most powerful force in nature. Without falling in love, attraction and compassion, life would not continue.